This Week in Sedgwick County

Board of County Commissioners

·        Sedgwick County Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring April 13-20, 2026, as Dark Sky Week.

·        Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring April 26-May 2, 2026, as National Apprenticeship Week.

·        BoCC appointed Kerah Pralle and reappointed David Thorne to the Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Community Advisory Board.

·        Commissioners appointed Kenly Zehring to the Sedgwick County Aging and Physical Disabilities Advisory Council.

·        BoCC appointed Commissioner Pete Meitzner to the Chief Elected Officials Board.

·        Sedgwick County Commissioners adopted a resolution amending the County Investment Policy.

·        Commissioners approved the recommendations of the Board of Bids and Contracts’ regular meeting on April 9, 2026.

·        Assistant County Manager Tania Cole provided a legislative update:

o   The Kansas Legislature adjourned Saturday, April 11.

o   Updates to several notable bills were provided:

§  HB 2343: The bill would have created the No-Impact Home-Based Business Fairness Act, supporting the development and growth of such businesses by limiting the regulatory power of municipalities. Sedgwick County provided testimony in favor of property rights but opposition of overriding local zoning rules and neighborhood protections. The bill did not advance.

§  HB 2329: The bill would change the name of Juvenile Crisis Intervention Centers to Juvenile Stabilization Centers, modify the intake criteria for such centers, prohibit certain rules and regulations for such centers, modify the treatment and services provided by such centers, increase the cumulative detention limit for juvenile offenders and criminal penalties for juvenile offenders who use a firearm in the commission of an offense or who are repeat offenders, provide for increased placement of offenders in non-foster home beds in youth residential facilities, require the Secretary of Corrections to pay for the costs associated with such placements, authorize the Secretary to make expenditures from the evidence-based programs account of the state general fund moneys to contract for such beds and transfer moneys from such account of the state general fund to the department for children and families to provide juvenile stabilization services. The bill was vetoed by the Governor and overridden by both chambers.

§  HB 2571: The bill would increase the cost threshold when a county shall use the public bidding process in awarding a construction contract. The bill was signed by the governor.

§  There were updates to notable bills regarding property taxes and sales taxes:

·        SCR 1603: The resolution proposed amending section 1 of article 11 of the Constitution of the State of Kansas to limit property tax valuation increases for real property and personal property classified as mobile homes. A motion to reconsider failed.

·        HCR 5008: The resolution would have proposed a constitutional amendment to provide for legislative oversight of rules and regulations adopted by executive branch agencies and officials, providing valuation limits for any classes or subclasses of property. A motion to concur with amendments failed.

·        HB 2043: The bill would create a protest petition process for the adoption of local government budgets in excess of a funding limit established by the bill and revise the revenue neutral rate notice to incorporate changes associated with the protest petition process. The bill was approved by the legislature and awaits a decision from the governor regarding whether or not to veto the bill.

·        HB 2535: The bill would have amended the law related to countywide retailers’ sales tax authority and apportionment. A motion to not adopt passed, killing the bill.

Upcoming Events

·        The City of Derby hold the first Third Thursday of 2026 and debut the brand-new Derby Market on April 16 from 5-8 p.m. at Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave. The event will feature food and drinks, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. City of Derby | Third Thursday

·        Sedgwick County Environmental Resources will host its free electronic waste collection event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 23-25 and April 30-May 2, 2026, at the Sedgwick County West Yard, 4701 S. West St. Acceptable items include computers, laptops, televisions and more. Electronic Waste Events

·        The Wichita Foundation Amphitheater at Exploration Place will begin hosting RiverFlix for the 2026 season on April 24. Bring your blankets, snacks and a sense of adventure, with food trucks and seating opening at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages. The movie on April 24 will be SING. RiverFlix at Exploration Place

Watch the meeting at Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners Meeting | April 15, 2026.